Are you stuck in a rut?

Becoming unstuck with an accountability partner

Sonia Bowers

10/30/20243 min read

Recently during a supervision session my mentor asked how things were going for me? What were my aspirations, dreams and goals that I had set for myself?

For us to be able to thrive and become the best version of ourselves in any area of our lives, we need to be focusing on movement, because if we don’t we become stuck. We start to stagnate and over time all our dreams, aspirations and goals seem to fade away like a distant memory and we begin to feel a little lost.

I’m sure you’ve all heard of the quote by The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus “The only Constant is change” …? When we refuse to change, we create resistance and we lose our flow and our connection to perhaps you could say life itself, because we stop thriving.

So back to the question… Well, I merely stated that just recently I felt I had lost my flow, things were going well, and I knew where I wanted to be, I had a vision of where I was going, but then life took a bit of a turn! (Shit Happens) and all that planning, and enthusiasm was replaced by all that shitty stuff!

So, she asked me again. Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? What do you need to change? Who’s going to help you get there? Who’s your accountability partner? And there it was!! That gentle reminder, or a kick up the behind (You haven’t met my supervisor!) But just what I needed to hear at the time. An ‘accountability partner’ of course, my lack of motivation, my loss of drive and focus was very much down to the overwhelm of life itself, but also the lack of accountability.

When we lose our focus, it will happen to the best of us ( I guarantee it) because life gets in our way all the time, but that’s ok! it doesn’t mean we should stop believing in our dreams, by all means take some time out if you have to, be gentle with yourself and be that compassionate friend we all need sometimes, but when you’re ready for change and ready to move forward, find that person in your life that encourages you to be a better version of yourself. That person that believes you can achieve your dreams and are of course deserving of them.

An accountability partner reminds us of the value and importance we can show to the world, they don’t look down on us with judgement, or force us to take on their ideas or opinions. They see us for who we really are, and they keep us accountable, questioning our reasoning, actions and non-actions, they help us reflect, reject and perfect.

So, I sought out my Accountability Partner and I started working with them and gained clarity of where I wanted to be, we sat together and set out a plan of action. I set myself a goal (doesn’t have to be a big goal) any movement forward is a step in the right direction. We agreed to check in, at a later date, to see how things were progressing.

And here I am writing a blog telling you all about how I become unstuck! So maybe if you’re feeling a little ‘stuck’ right now, just give yourself a moment and think about that person who can help you regain your focus and encourage you to start again. You might not have to look to far, perhaps a family member or close friend? A work colleague, your supervisor or partner in business? If you’re struggling to find the right support perhaps you could seek professional help like a counsellor or life coach? Sometimes we just have to think outside the box and get a little extra help to get back on track and things moving again.

Who’s your go to...?